Dome Structure

ABSTRACT

Described herein is a structure that comprises a plurality of spherical triangular units on a plurality of levels. The structure has a superior ability to survive disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes etc. It is cost-efficient, energy efficient, extremely durable and easily maintained. The plurality of spherical triangular units on one level of the plurality of levels are essentially identical to each other, and are essentially equally spaced radially relative to a center of the sphere; each of the plurality of spherical triangular units comprises three planar panels, each with an end surface comprising a minor arc of a great circle of the sphere; a spherical triangular unit on a level above the first level of the structure is configured to be joined with two neighboring spherical triangular units on the level below; the structure is substantially a dome.

BACKGROUND

Emergency shelters are structures built for residence and dwellingduring or after a manmade or natural disaster, such as a fire, flood,tornado or earthquake. In some disasters such as tornadoes, survivaldepends heavily on the mechanical strength and quality of the emergencyshelters. Temporary emergency shelters available on the market that areadaptable to individual use, such as inexpensive tents, lack thenecessary strength, durable quality, and environmental conformabilityfor survival during a natural disaster. Emergency shelters that overcomesome of the disadvantages of temporary shelters are often builtprimarily for other purposes, such as schools, churches, gymnasiums,etc. They are more expensive and difficult to build, are not practicalto be owned by a family, and are sometimes not available at a neardistance to a person in need of survival during a disaster situation.

A spherical ball or a round ball is a three dimensional object that hasa spherical surface, characterized as a perfectly round geometricalobject in a three-dimensional space. A spherical surface has a set ofpoints that are all the same distance, which is referred to as theradius of the sphere or r, from a given point in space. The given pointis known as the center of the sphere. The shortest path connecting twopoints lying entirely in the sphere is a minor arc of the great circlepassing the points. On a sphere, a central angle of an arc of a greatcircle is an angle spanned by the radii from each end of the arc to thecenter of the sphere. A plane section of a sphere is a circle. A greatcircle, also known as an orthodrome or Riemannian circle, of a sphere isthe intersection of the sphere and a plane which passes through thecenter point of the sphere, as opposed to a general circle of a spherewhere the plane is not required to pass through the center. A sphere maybe divided into two equal hemispheres by any plane that passes throughits center.

A spherical ball is unique in many ways. For instance, in comparison toother three dimensional objects, a spherical ball has the largest volumefor the smallest surface area: the sphere has the smallest surface areaamong all surfaces enclosing a given volume and it encloses the largestvolume among all closed surfaces with a given surface area.

For the reason above, a building structure made in resemblance to asphere may have the benefit of lower consumption of constructionmaterials, lower cost, more enclosed space for use, higher structuralstrength and better safety. Such a structure that resembles a hemisphereor the hollow upper half of a sphere is often referred to as a dome.Dome structures made of various materials have a long architecturallineage. Their prevalence in use has resulted in many types andvariations, such as an onion dome, corbel dome, geodesic dome, ovaldome, polygonal dome, sail dome, saucer dome, umbrella dome, etc.

SUMMARY

Described herein is a structure comprising a first spherical triangularunit, a second spherical triangular unit and a third sphericaltriangular unit; the first spherical triangular unit comprising a firstplanar panel, a second planar panel and a third planar panel; the secondspherical triangular unit comprising a fourth planar panel, a fifthplanar panel and a sixth planar panel; the third spherical triangularunit comprising a seventh planar panel, an eighth planar panel and aninth planar panel; the first planar panel comprising a first endsurface, the second planar panel comprising a second end surface, thethird planar panel comprising a third end surface; the fourth planarpanel comprising a fourth end surface, the fifth planar panel comprisinga fifth end surface, and the sixth planar panel comprising a sixth endsurface; the seventh planar panel comprising a seventh end surface, theeighth planar panel comprising an eighth end surface, and the ninthplanar panel comprising a ninth end surface.

Wherein the first end surface comprises a minor arc of a first greatcircle of a sphere; wherein the second end surface comprises a minor arcof a second great circle of the sphere; wherein the third end surfacecomprises a minor arc of a third great circle of the sphere; wherein thefourth end surface comprises a minor arc of a fourth great circle of thesphere; wherein the fifth end surface comprises a minor arc of a fifthgreat circle of the sphere; wherein the sixth end surface comprises aminor arc of the third great circle of the sphere; wherein the seventhend surface comprises a minor arc of a seventh great circle of thesphere; wherein the eighth end surface comprises a minor arc of aneighth great circle of the sphere; wherein the ninth end surfacecomprises a minor arc of a ninth great circle of the sphere.

Wherein the seventh planar panel and the ninth planar panel join andform a corner of the third spherical triangular unit, the first planarpanel and the second planar panel join and form a corner of the firstspherical triangular unit, the corner of the first spherical triangularunit is connected to the corner of the third spherical triangular unit;and wherein the eighth planar panel and the ninth planar panel join andform another corner of the third spherical triangular unit, the fourthplanar panel and the fifth planar panel join and form a corner of thesecond spherical triangular unit, the other corner of the thirdspherical triangular unit is connected to the corner of the secondspherical triangular unit.

According to an embodiment of the structure, central angles of the firstend surface, second end surface, third end surface, fourth end surface,fifth end surface and sixth end surface are essentially the same. Asused herein, a central angle of an end surface comprising an arc is thecentral angle of the arc.

According to an embodiment of the structure, central angles of theseventh, eighth and ninth end surfaces are essentially the same.

According to an embodiment of the structure, the first planar panelextends from the first end surface toward a center of the sphere along asurface of the first great circle; the second planar panel extends fromthe second end surface toward the center of the sphere on a surface ofthe second great circle; and the third planar panel extends from thethird end surface toward the center of the sphere on a surface of thethird great circle.

According to an embodiment of the structure, the first planar panelextends from the first end surface to a first inner end surface whichcomprises arc concentric with the first end surface; wherein the secondplanar panel extends from the second end surface to a second inner endsurface which comprises an arc concentric with the second end surface;wherein the third planar panel extends from the third end surface to athird inner end surface which comprises an arc concentric with the thirdend surface.

According to an embodiment of the structure, central angles of thefirst, second, and third inner end surfaces are essentially the same.

According to an embodiment of the structure, radii of the first, second,and third inner end surfaces are essentially the same.

According to an embodiment of the structure, the first and the secondplanar panel are joined by a hinge; the second and third planar panelsare joined by a hinge; the first and third planar panels are joined by ahinge. Preferably, the hinge is a butt hinge.

According to an embodiment, the structure further comprises one or moreintra-triangular-unit covers; the first, second and third planar panelscomprise one or more inner ridges configured to accept or secure the oneor more intra-triangular-unit covers, that are configured to fit intoand cover an intra-unit opening of the first triangular unit.

According to an embodiment the structure further comprises one or moreinter-triangular-unit covers; the first, second and third planar panelscomprise one or more outer ridges configured to accept or secure the oneor more inter-triangular-unit covers, that are configured to fit intoand cover an inter-unit opening of adjacent spherical triangular units.According to an embodiment, the first, second and third sphericaltriangular units are adjacent spherical triangular units.

According to an embodiment, when there are two or moreintra-triangular-unit covers, the structure further comprises a materialfilled between the two or more intra-triangular-unit covers.

According to an embodiment, when there are two or moreinter-triangular-unit covers, the structure further comprises a materialfilled between the two or more inter-triangular-unit covers.

According to an embodiment, the structure further comprises a pluralityof plates, configured to connect the first spherical triangular unit tothe third spherical triangular unit and to connect the second sphericaltriangular unit to the third spherical triangular unit.

According to an embodiment, the structure further comprises a pluralityof fasteners configured to join the plurality of plates to the first,second or third spherical triangular units through a plurality ofthrough holes on the first, second and third spherical triangular units.

According to an embodiment of the structure, at least one of theplurality of fasteners comprises a ring configured to accept wiringtherethrough.

According to an embodiment of the structure, at least one of the first,second and third planar panels comprise a material selected from a groupconsisting of aluminum, iron, steel, glass fiber, carbon fiber, plastic,wood and a combination thereof.

According to an embodiment of the structure, the ninth great circlepasses through an intersection of the first end surface and the secondend surface and passes through an intersection of the fourth end surfaceand the fifth end surface; wherein the ninth end surface is a minor arcof the ninth circle between the intersection of the first end surfaceand the second end surface and the intersection of the fourth endsurface and the fifth end surface.

According to an embodiment, the structure further comprises a firstplurality of spherical triangular units, each of which is essentiallyidentical to the first spherical triangular unit; the second sphericaltriangular unit is essentially identical to the first sphericaltriangular unit; wherein the first plurality of spherical triangularunits and the first and second spherical triangular units areessentially equally spaced radially along the third great circle, andconstitute a first level of the structure.

According to an embodiment, the structure further comprises a secondplurality of spherical triangular units, each of which is essentiallyidentical to the third spherical triangular unit; wherein the secondplurality of spherical triangular units and the third sphericaltriangular unit are essentially equally spaced radially along the ninthgreat circle, and constitute a second level of the structure.

According to an embodiment, the structure further comprises a pluralityof levels comprising a plurality of spherical triangular units; theplurality of spherical triangular units on one level of the plurality oflevels are essentially identical to each other, and are essentiallyequally spaced radially relative to a center of the sphere; each of theplurality of spherical triangular units located on a level above thefirst level comprises three planar panels, each with an end surfacecomprising a minor arc of a great circle of the sphere; a sphericaltriangular unit on a level above the first level of the structure isconfigured to be joined with two neighboring spherical triangular unitson the level below; the structure is substantially a dome.

According to an embodiment, the structure comprises a connector. Theconnector comprises an upper wall, a lower wall, one or more outercircular walls and one or more inner circular walls. One of the one ormore outer circular walls is an extended part of the upper wall or thelower wall. One of the one or more outer circular walls and one of theone or more inner circular walls are configured to form a circular slot.

According to an embodiment, the inner and outer circular walls and thecircular slots are in cylindrical shapes.

According to an embodiment, the inner and outer circular walls and thecircular slots are in conical or funnel shapes.

According to an embodiment, the connector is configured to accommodate aplurality of ends of a plurality of planar panels in the circular slotto connect a plurality of spherical triangular units.

According to an embodiment, the connector connects an end of each ofplanar panels of three adjacent spherical triangular units to connectthree adjacent spherical triangular units.

According to an embodiment, the connector comprises a top connectorpiece and a bottom connector piece. The top connector piece comprises anupper wall and an inner circular wall. The bottom connector piececomprises a lower wall and an inner circular wall. The top connectorpiece and the bottom connector piece are configured to be securelyjoined.

According to an embodiment, the top connector piece further comprises afirst top handle and a second top handle; the bottom connector piecefurther comprises a first bottom handle and a second bottom handle.

According to an embodiment, the top connector piece comprises aninternal thread; the bottom connector piece comprises an externalthread. The top connector piece and the bottom connector piece arejoined by the internal thread and the external thread.

According to an embodiment, the top connector piece comprises a topthrough hole in a center of the top connector piece; the bottomconnector piece comprises a bottom through hole in a center of thebottom connector piece. The top through hole and the bottom through holeare configured to align to form a holding space.

According to an embodiment, the structure further comprises a controlsystem, a power cable or system, a security system, an energy generationsystem, a heating system, a communication cable or system, atransmission cable or system, a food or water transit cable or system, adisplay or notification system, an alarm system, a speaker system, abattery system, an air conditioning system, a filtration system, alighting system, or a device or a material that is adapted to providefor life and survival.

According to an embodiment, the structure further comprises a lightingdevice in the holding space.

According to an embodiment, the lighting device comprises a solar panel,a battery, a casing, and a LED light.

According to an embodiment, each end of a planar panel comprises a stemand a head. The head is configured to fit in the circular slot, andengaged by the upper wall, the lower wall and the inner and outercircular walls.

According to an embodiment, the structure further comprises a firstplurality of spherical triangular units, each of which is essentiallyidentical to the first spherical triangular unit; the second sphericaltriangular unit is essentially identical to the first sphericaltriangular unit; wherein the first plurality of spherical triangularunits and the first and second spherical triangular units areessentially equally spaced radially along the third great circle, andconstitute a first level of the structure.

According to an embodiment, the structure further comprises a secondplurality of spherical triangular units, each of which is essentiallyidentical to the third spherical triangular unit; wherein the secondplurality of spherical triangular units and the third sphericaltriangular unit are essentially equally spaced radially relative to acenter of the sphere, and constitute a second level of the structure.

According to an embodiment, the structure further comprises a pluralityof spherical triangular units; the plurality of spherical triangularunits on one level of the plurality of levels are essentially identicalto each other, and are essentially equally spaced radially relative to acenter of the sphere; each of the plurality of spherical triangularunits located on a level above the first level comprises three planarpanels, each with an end surface comprising a minor arc of a greatcircle of the sphere; a spherical triangular unit on a level above thefirst level of the structure is configured to be joined with twoneighboring spherical triangular units on the level below; the structureis substantially a dome.

Described herein is a connector which comprises an upper wall, a lowerwall, one or more outer circular walls and one or more inner circularwalls; wherein one of the one or more outer circular walls is anextended part of the upper wall or the lower wall. One of the one ormore outer circular walls and one of the one or more inner circularwalls are configured to form a circular slot between the outer circularwall and the inner circular wall. The connector is configured toaccommodate a plurality of ends of a plurality of planar panels in thecircular slot to connect the plurality of planar panels.

According to an embodiment, the connector further comprises a topconnector piece and a bottom connector piece. The top connector piececomprises the upper wall and one of the one or more inner circularwalls. The bottom connector piece comprises the lower wall and one ofthe one or more inner circular walls. The top connector piece and thebottom connector piece are configured to be joined.

According to an embodiment, the top connector piece further comprises afirst top handle and a second top handle. The bottom connector piecefurther comprises a first bottom handle and a second bottom handle.

According to an embodiment, the top connector piece further comprises aninternal thread; the bottom connector piece comprises an externalthread. The top connector piece and the bottom connector piece arejoined by the internal thread and the external thread.

According to an embodiment, the top connector piece further comprises atop through hole in a center of the top connector piece. The bottomconnector piece comprises a bottom through hole in a center of thebottom connector piece; wherein the top through hole and the bottomthrough hole are aligned to form a holding space.

According to an embodiment, the connector further comprises a lightingdevice in the holding space. The lighting device comprises a solarpanel, a battery, a casing, and a LED light.

Described herein is an apparatus comprising said connector.

According to an embodiment, the apparatus is a toy, a game, a model or atool.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the structure showing a first sphericaltriangular unit, a second spherical triangular unit and a thirdspherical triangular unit.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the first spherical triangular unit in thestructure according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first spherical triangular unit inthe structure according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4A is a bottom view of the first planar panel of the firstspherical triangular unit; FIG. 4B is a bottom view of the second planarpanel of the first spherical triangular unit; FIG. 4C is a bottom viewof the third planar panel of the first spherical triangular unit; FIG.4D is a top view of the first planar panel of the first sphericaltriangular unit; FIG. 4E is a top view of the second planar panel of thefirst spherical triangular unit; FIG. 4F is a top view of the thirdplanar panel of the first spherical triangular unit; FIG. 4G is a sideview of the first planar panel of the first spherical triangular unit;FIG. 4H is a side view of the second planar panel of the first sphericaltriangular unit; FIG. 4I is a side view of the third planar panel of thefirst spherical triangular unit; FIG. 4J is a front view of the firstand second planar panel of the first spherical triangular unit;

FIG. 5 shows an intra-triangular-unit cover and an inter-triangularcover according an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an explosion view of interconnection of three sphericaltriangular units of the structure according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7A is a side view of an embodiment of a fastener; FIG. 7B is afront view of an embodiment of the fastener as shown in 7A; FIG. 7C is arear view of an embodiment of the fastener as shown in 7A; FIG. 7D is afront view of an embodiment of a nut; FIG. 7E is a perspective view ofan embodiment of the nut as shown in 7D; FIG. 7F is a front view of anembodiment of an outer plate; FIG. 7G is a front view of an embodimentof an inner plate; FIG. 7H is a perspective view of an embodiment of theouter plate as shown in 7F; FIG. 7I is a perspective view of anembodiment of the inner plate as shown in 7G.

FIG. 8A is a front view of an interconnected portion of three sphericaltriangular units.

FIG. 8B is a back view of the interconnected portion of three sphericaltriangular units in 8A.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a first level and a second level of thestructure according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the structure being a multiple level dome,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a front view of the structure being a multiple level dome,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view of a connector according to anembodiment; FIG. 12B is a top view of the connector in FIG. 12Aaccording to an embodiment; FIG. 12C is a bottom view of the connectorin FIG. 12A according to an embodiment.

FIG. 13A is a side view of a lighting device according to an embodiment;FIG. 13B is a top view of the lighting device in FIG. 13A according toan embodiment; FIG. 13C is a bottom view of the lighting device in FIG.13A according to an embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an explosion view of interconnection of three sphericaltriangular units of the structure according to an embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the dome structure according to anembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to an embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, a structure comprises afirst spherical triangular unit 100, a second spherical triangular unit200 and a third spherical triangular unit 300. The first sphericaltriangular unit 100 comprises a first planar panel 110, a second planarpanel 120 and a third planar panel 130; the second spherical triangularunit comprises a fourth planar panel 210, a fifth planar panel 220 and asixth planar panel 230; the third spherical triangular unit comprises aseventh planar panel 310, an eighth planar panel 320 and a ninth planarpanel 330.

The first planar panel 110 comprises a first end surface 101, the secondplanar panel 120 comprises a second end surface 102, the third planarpanel 130 comprises a third end surface 103; the fourth planar panel 210comprises a fourth end surface 201, the fifth planar panel 220 comprisesa fifth end surface 202, and the sixth planar panel 230 comprises asixth end surface 203; the seventh planar panel 310 comprises a seventhend surface 301, the eighth planar panel 320 comprises an eighth endsurface 302, and the ninth planar panel 330 comprises a ninth endsurface 303.

The first end surface 101 comprises a minor arc of a first great circle1 of a sphere 10 (see FIG. 10). The second end surface 102 comprises aminor arc of a second great circle 2 of the sphere 10. The third endsurface 103 comprises a minor arc of a third great circle 3 of thesphere 10. The fourth end surface 201 comprises a minor arc of a fourthgreat circle 4 of the sphere 10. The fifth end surface 202 comprises aminor arc of a fifth great circle of 5 the sphere 10. The sixth endsurface 203 comprises a minor arc of the third great circle 3 of thesphere 10. The seventh end surface 301 comprises a minor arc of aseventh great circle 7 of the sphere 10. The eighth end surface 302comprises a minor arc of an eighth great circle 8 of the sphere 10. Theninth end surface 303 comprises a minor arc of a ninth great circle 9 ofthe sphere 10.

Wherein the seventh planar panel 301 and the ninth planar panel 303 joinand form a corner of the third spherical triangular unit 300; the firstplanar panel 101 and the second planar panel 102 join and form a cornerof the first spherical triangular unit 100; the corner of the firstspherical triangular unit 100 is connected to the corner of the thirdspherical triangular unit 300. Wherein the eighth planar panel 302 andthe ninth planar panel 303 join and form another corner of the thirdspherical triangular unit 300, the fourth planar panel 201 and the fifthplanar panel 202 join and form a corner of the second sphericaltriangular unit 200, the other corner of the third spherical triangularunit 300 is connected to the corner of the second spherical triangularunit 200.

As shown in FIG. 1, central angles of the first end surface, second endsurface, third end surface, fourth end surface, fifth end surface andsixth end surface are essentially the same.

As shown in FIG. 1, central angles of the seventh, eighth and ninth endsurfaces are essentially the same.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the first planar panel 110 extends from the firstend surface 101 toward a center of the sphere along a surface of thefirst great circle; the second planar panel 120 extends from the secondend surface 102 toward the center of the sphere on a surface of thesecond great circle; and the third planar panel 130 extends from thethird end surface 103 toward the center of the sphere on a surface ofthe third great circle.

As shown in FIG. 1, the ninth great circle passes through anintersection of the first end surface and the second end surface andpasses through an intersection of the fourth end surface and the fifthend surface; wherein the ninth end surface is a minor arc of the ninthgreat circle between the intersection of the first end surface and thesecond end surface and the intersection of the fourth end surface andthe fifth end surface.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the first planar panel 110 extends from the firstend surface 101 to a first inner end surface 104 which is comprises anarc concentric with the first end surface 101; as shown in FIG. 4B, thesecond planar panel 120 extends from the second end surface 102 to asecond inner end surface 105 which comprises an arc concentric with thesecond end surface 102; as shown in FIG. 4C, the third planar panel 130extends from the third end surface 103 to a third inner end surface 106which is comprises an arc concentric with the third end surface.

According to an embodiment of the structure, central angles of the firstinner end surface 104, second inner end surface 105, and third inner endsurface 106 are essentially the same.

According to an embodiment of the structure, radii of the first innerend surface 104, second inner end surface 105, and third inner endsurface 106 are essentially the same.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the first planar panel 110 comprises a hinge 111 ona first end of the first planar panel, and a hinge 112 on a second endof the first planar panel; as shown in FIG. 4B, the second planar panel120 comprises a hinge 121 on a first end of the second planar panel, anda hinge 122 on a second end of the second planar panel; as shown in FIG.4C, the third planar panel 130 comprises a hinge 131 on a first end ofthe third planar panel, and a hinge 132 on a second end of the thirdplanar panel. Preferably, all the hinges are butt hinges.

As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the first and the second planar panel are joinedby a hinge 111 with a hinge 122; the second and third planar panels arejoined by a hinge 121 with a hinge 132; the first and third planarpanels are joined by a hinge 112 with a hinge 131. Preferably, all thehinges are butt hinges.

As shown in FIGS. 2-3 and FIG. 4J, the hinges comprise through holesconfigured to allow two adjoining hinges to be secured together by afastener. As shown in FIGS. 2-3, when adjoining hinges of three planarpanels are aligned and the through holes of the two adjoining hinges aresecured together, three planar panels are assembled into a sphericaltriangular unit. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 4J, a through hole 140 ofthe hinge 111 and a through hole 141 of the hinge 122 are essentiallythe same in size.

According to an embodiment of the structure, at least one of the first,second and third planar panels comprise a material selected from a groupconsisting of aluminum, iron, steel, glass fiber, carbon fiber, plastic,wood and a combination thereof.

As shown in FIGS. 2-5, the first, second and third planar panelscomprise one or more inner ridges configured to accept or secure one ormore intra-triangular-unit covers 150 that are configured to fit intoand cover an intra-unit opening of the first triangular unit.

As shown in FIGS. 2-5, the first, second and third planar panelscomprise one or more outer ridges configured to accept or secure one ormore inter-triangular-unit covers 151 that are configured to fit intoand cover an inter-unit opening of adjacent spherical triangular units.

According to an embodiment, when there are two or moreintra-triangular-unit covers, the structure further comprises a materialfilled between the two or more intra-triangular-unit covers. Thematerial is preferably intended for use in thermal insulation,mechanical enforcement, fire prevention, noise reduction, vibrationreduction or a combination thereof.

According to an embodiment, when there are two or moreinter-triangular-unit covers, the structure further comprises a materialfilled between the two or more inter-triangular-unit covers. Thematerial is preferably intended for use in thermal insulation,mechanical enforcement, fire prevention, noise reduction, vibrationreduction or a combination thereof.

Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 2-4, each planar panel comprises two innerridges on a surface of the planar panel facing an inside of a sphericaltriangular unit assembled from the planar panel and two additionalplanar panels; each planar panel further comprises two outer ridges on asurface of the planar panel facing an outside of the sphericaltriangular unit assembled from the planar panel and two additionalplanar panels.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the assembled first triangular unitaccording to an embodiment. FIG. 4 shows the planar panels 110, 120 and130 of the first triangular unit comprising inner and outer ridges. Asshown in FIG. 3, FIG. 4A, 4D, 4G the first planar panel 110 comprisesinner ridges 113 and 114 on a surface of the first planar panel facinginside the first triangular unit when assembled, and comprises outerridges 115 and 116 on a surface of the first planar panel facing anoutside the first triangular unit when assembled. As shown in FIG. 3 andFIGS. 4B, 4E, 4H, the second planar panel 120 comprises inner ridges 123and 124 on a surface of the second planar panel facing the inside thefirst triangular unit when assembled, and comprises outer ridges 125 and126 on a surface of the second planar panel facing the outside the firsttriangular unit when assembled. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIGS. 4C, 4F, 4I,the third planar panel 130 comprises inner ridges 133 and 134 on asurface of the third planar panel facing the inside the first triangularunit when assembled, and comprises outer ridges 135 and 136 on a surfaceof the third planar panel facing outside the first triangular unit whenassembled.

In FIGS. 4A-B, an inner ridge or an outer ridge is concentric to an endsurface of a planar panel that comprises such inner ridge or outerridge. According to an embodiment as shown in FIG. 4A, two inner ridges113 and 114 of the first planar panel 110 are concentric to the firstend surface 101; as shown in FIG. 4B, two inner ridges 123 and 124 ofthe second planar panel 120 are concentric to the second end surface102; as shown in FIG. 4C, two inner ridges 133 and 134 of the thirdplanar panel 130 are concentric to the third end surface 103.

As shown in FIG. 5, preferably, the ridges comprise a series of throughholes along a direction that is substantially perpendicular to an endsurface of a planar panel comprising such ridges. The through holes onthe ridges are configured to accept or secure an intra- orinter-triangular-unit cover to the ridges.

As shown in FIGS. 5-8, the structure further comprises a plurality ofplates, configured to connect the first spherical triangular unit to thethird spherical triangular unit, and to connect the second sphericaltriangular unit to the third spherical triangular unit.

As shown in FIGS. 5-8, the structure further comprises a plurality offasteners configured to join a plurality of plates to the first, secondor third spherical triangular units through a plurality of through holeson the first, second or third spherical triangular units. At least oneof the plurality of fasteners comprises a ring configured to acceptwiring therethrough.

FIG. 6 is an explosion view of a portion of an embodiment showinginterconnection of three spherical triangular units through a pluralityof plates and fasteners. FIG. 8A is a top view according to theembodiment. FIG. 8B is a bottom view according to the embodiment. Asshown in FIG. 6, three spherical triangular units are configured to beinterconnected together through three adjoining corners by an outerplate 1000, an inner plate 1001, fasteners 1002, 1003, 1004 and nuts1005, 1006 and 1007.

As shown in FIGS. 6, 7F and 7H, the outer plate 1000 is a substantiallytriangular shaped plate with smooth corners, with one through holes ateach smooth corner. The outer plate 1000 comprises a surface contourthat substantially conforms to the corresponding contact surface of theadjoining three spherical triangular units to be interconnected. Theouter plate 1000 contacts hinge portions of the end surfaces of thethree spherical triangular units to be interconnected.

As shown in FIGS. 6, 7G and 7I, the inner plate 1001 is a substantiallytriangular shaped plate with smooth corners, with one through hole ateach smooth corner. The inner plate 1001 comprises a surface contourthat substantially conforms to the corresponding contact surface of theadjoining three spherical triangular units to be interconnected. Theinner plate 1001 contacts hinge portions of the inner end surfaces ofthe three spherical triangular units to be interconnected.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, three through holes of the outer plate 1000are configured to be aligned with through holes of the hinges of threespherical triangular units, and with the three through holes of theinner plate 1001. Such a configuration allows the securing of thealigned outer plate 1000, three spherical triangular units and the innerplate 1001 by fasteners. Through the connection with the two plates oneon each side of three triangular units, three triangular units areinterconnected together securely.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7A, fasteners 1002, 1003 and 1004 areessentially the same. A fastener may comprise a ring on an endconfigured to accept wiring therethrough. Such wirings are useful forattaching additional elements to the structure. Such an element maycomprise a surface covering material, such as to provide additionalfunctions in thermal insulation, water resistance, heat tolerance,mechanical reinforcement, etc.

As shown in FIG. 7A, a fastener 1002 comprises a first ring 1010 on anend, a threaded portion 1011, a non-threaded portion 1013, and a secondring 1012 on another end. Both rings 1010 and 1012 are configured toaccept wirings therethrough. The threaded portion 1011 is configured toaccept a matching nut 1005. The width of the threaded portion 1011, theunthreaded portion 1013 and the second ring 1012 are substantially thesame, and are substantially the same as the inner width of the throughholes of the hinges of a spherical triangular unit to be interconnected,and the inner width of the through holes of the inner plate 1001. Thewidth of the first ring 1010 is substantially larger than the width ofthe unthreaded portion, and the width of the through holes of the outerplate 1000.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8B, nuts 1005, 1006 and 1007 are respectivelyconnected to a fastener on its threaded portion, to complete theinterconnection of three spherical triangular units. As shown in FIGS.6, 7D and 7E, nuts 1005, 1006 and 1007 are essentially the same, andeach of the nuts has an inner diameter that is substantially the same asthe diameter of a threaded portion of a matching fastener.

As shown in FIG. 9, the structure further comprises a first plurality ofspherical triangular units, each of which is essentially identical tothe first spherical triangular unit; the second spherical triangularunit is essentially identical to the first spherical triangular unit;the first plurality of spherical triangular units and the first andsecond spherical triangular units are essentially equally spacedradially along the third great circle, and constitute a first level ofthe structure.

As shown in FIGS. 9-10, the structure further comprises a secondplurality of spherical triangular units, each of which is essentiallyidentical to the third spherical triangular unit; wherein the secondplurality of spherical triangular units and the third sphericaltriangular unit are essentially equally spaced radially relative to acenter of the sphere 10 (see FIG. 10), and constitute a second level ofthe structure.

According to embodiments in FIGS. 10-11, the structure further comprisesa plurality of levels comprising a plurality of spherical triangularunits; the plurality of spherical triangular units on one level of theplurality of levels are essentially identical to each other, and areessentially equally spaced radially relative to the center of thesphere; each of the plurality of spherical triangular units located on alevel above the first level comprises three planar panels, each with anend surface comprising a minor arc of a great circle of the sphere; aspherical triangular unit on a level above the first level of thestructure is configured to be joined with two neighboring sphericaltriangular units on the level below; the structure is substantially adome.

According to embodiments as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the structureessentially forms a dome structure. The structure has essentially aspherical surface that matches the sphere 10. The number of structuralunits, i.e. the spherical triangular units, on each level of thestructure may be adjusted. Increasing the number of the sphericaltriangular units will increase the density and the mechanical strengthof the overall structure. The number of the spherical triangular unitsmay be designed with consideration of mechanical strength, usefulnessand practicality, thereby allowing building dome structures of differentoverall sizes.

The design of inner or inter-triangular-unit covers substantiallycompletes the look and function of the dome structure. According to anembodiment, inner or inter-triangular-unit covers may comprise surfacecontour that substantially conform to a portion of the surface of thesphere 10, such that the dome structure extremely approximates an idealhemisphere surface of the sphere.

According to an embodiment as shown in FIGS. 12-15, the structurecomprises a connector 2000. As shown in FIG. 12, the connector comprisesan upper wall 2001, a lower wall 2002, one or more outer circular walls2003 and one or more inner circular walls 2004. One of the one or moreouter circular walls 2003 is an extended part of the upper wall 2001 orthe lower wall 2002. One of the one or more outer circular walls 2003and one of the one or more inner circular walls 2004 are configured toform a circular slot 2005 between the outer circular wall and the innercircular wall.

According to an embodiment, the inner and outer circular walls and thecircular slots are in cylindrical shapes.

According to an embodiment, the inner and outer circular walls and thecircular slots are in conical or funnel shapes.

According to an embodiment as shown in FIGS. 14-15, the connector 2000is configured to accommodate a plurality of ends of a plurality ofplanar panels in the circular slot to connect a plurality of sphericaltriangular units.

Preferably, the connector is configured to connect each end of theplanar panels of three spherical triangular units in the circular slot.

Preferably, as shown in FIG. 14-15, each end of a planar panel comprisesa stem 301 and a head 302. The head is configured to fit in the circularslot 2005, and engaged by the upper wall, the lower wall and the innerand outer circular walls.

According to an embodiment as shown in FIG. 14-15, each planar panelextends from an end surface 303 to an inner end surface 304, whichcomprises an arc concentric with the end surface 303. Each planar panelcomprises an array of protrusions 305 along the end surface 303 and anarray of protrusions 306 along the inner end surface 304.

According to an embodiment as shown in FIG. 15, the dome structure hasan enclosed inner hemispherical space with a diameter “r”. The inner endsurfaces of planar panels of all spherical triangular unites arearranged at a distance “r” from a center of the dome structure; the endsurfaces of planar panels of all spherical triangular unites arearranged at a distance R from a center of the dome structure.

According to an embodiment as shown in FIG. 12, the connector 2000comprises a top connector piece 2010 and a bottom connector piece 2020.The top connector piece 2010 comprises an upper wall 2001 and an innercircular wall 2004. The bottom connector piece 2020 comprises a lowerwall 2002 and an inner circular wall 2004. The top connector piece 2010and the bottom connector piece 2020 are configured to be securelyjoined.

Preferably, the upper wall is toward the exterior of the dome, and thelower wall is toward the interior of the dome.

According to an embodiment as shown in FIGS. 12B and 12C, the topconnector piece 2010 further comprises a first top handle 2011 and asecond top handle 2012; the bottom connector piece 2020 furthercomprises a first bottom handle 2021 and a second bottom handle 2022.

According to an embodiment, the first top handle and second top handleare configured to facilitate the installation of the top connectorpiece. The first top handle or the second top handle may also beconfigured to accept a wiring, a hook, an additional attachable element,etc., therethrough.

According to an embodiment, the first bottom handle and second bottomhandle are configured to facilitate the installation of the bottomconnector piece. The first bottom handle or the second bottom handle mayalso be configured to accept a wiring, a hook, or an additionalattachable element, etc., therethrough.

According to an embodiment as shown in FIGS. 12A and 14, the topconnector piece 2010 comprises an internal thread 2013; the bottomconnector piece comprises an external thread 2023. The top connectorpiece 2010 and the bottom connector piece 2020 are configured to besecurely joined by the internal thread 2013 and the external thread2023.

According to an embodiment as shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, the topconnector piece 2010 comprises a top through hole 2014 in a center ofthe top connector piece 2010; the bottom connector piece 2020 comprisesa bottom through hole 2024 in a center of the bottom connector piece.The top through hole 2014 and the bottom through hole 2024 areconfigured to align to form a holding space 2007.

According to an embodiment the holding space 2007 has an opening on theupper wall and an opening on the lower wall.

According to an embodiment, the structure further comprise additionalelements such as a control system, a power cable or system, a securitysystem, an energy generation system, a heating system, a communicationcable or system, a transmission cable or system, a food or water transitcable or system, a display or notification system, an alarm system, aspeaker system, a battery system, an air conditioning system, afiltration system, a lighting system, or a device or a material that isadapted to provide for life and survival in a disaster situation such astornadoes, hurricanes, or earthquakes.

According to an embodiment such additional elements may be accommodatedin the holding space 2007.

According to an embodiment as shown in FIGS. 12-13, the structurefurther comprise a lighting device in the holding space.

According to an embodiment as shown in FIG. 13, the lighting device 2030comprises a solar panel 2031, a battery 2032, a casing 2033 that isconfigured to be secured within the holding space, and a LED light 2034.

According to an embodiment, the solar panel has a diameter larger thanthe diameter of the opening of the top through hole 2014 on the upperwall. The casing has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the openingof the top through hole 2014 on the upper wall. The solar panel and thecasing is configured to be pre-assembled together and installed from thetop through hole.

According to an embodiment, the solar panel is oriented at a directiontoward the exterior of the dome, so as to collect solar energy fromsunlight received by the exterior surface of the dome.

According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the solar panel 2031comprises an array of panels.

According to an embodiment, the LED light has a diameter larger than thediameter of the opening of the bottom through hole 2024 on the lowerwall. The LED light is configured to be pre-assembled. The battery andthe LED light are configured to be installed from the bottom throughhole. The LED light, the battery, the solar panel and the casing areconfigured to be securely connected together by fasteners such asscrews.

According to an embodiment, the LED light is oriented at a directiontoward the interior of the dome, so as to provide lighting to theinterior of the dome.

According to an embodiment, the color and patterns on the LED lights arevariable. According to an embodiment as shown in FIG. 13, one of thepatterns on the LED lights is in star shapes.

According to an embodiment, an apparatus comprises said connector.

According to an embodiment, the apparatus is a toy, a game, a model or atool.

According to an embodiment, preferably, the structure further comprisesa first plurality of spherical triangular units, each of which isessentially identical to the first spherical triangular unit; the secondspherical triangular unit is essentially identical to the firstspherical triangular unit; wherein the first plurality of sphericaltriangular units and the first and second spherical triangular units areessentially equally spaced radially along the third great circle, andconstitute a first level of the structure.

According to an embodiment, preferably, the structure further comprisesa second plurality of spherical triangular units, each of which isessentially identical to the third spherical triangular unit; whereinthe second plurality of spherical triangular units and the thirdspherical triangular unit are essentially equally spaced radiallyrelative to a center of the sphere, and constitute a second level of thestructure.

According to an embodiment, preferably, the structure further comprisesa plurality of spherical triangular units; the plurality of sphericaltriangular units on one level of the plurality of levels are essentiallyidentical to each other, and are essentially equally spaced radiallyrelative to a center of the sphere; each of the plurality of sphericaltriangular units located on a level above the first level comprisesthree planar panels, each with an end surface comprising a minor arc ofa great circle of the sphere; a spherical triangular unit on a levelabove the first level of the structure is configured to be joined withtwo neighboring spherical triangular units on the level below; thestructure is substantially a dome.

The structure may further comprise a foundation of concrete andreinforced steel bars, for providing security and strength.

According to an embodiment, one spherical triangular unit on the firstlevel of the structure is interconnected with a neighboring sphericaltriangular unit on the first level and with the foundation of thestructure by an outer plate, an inner plate, one or more fasteners andbolts.

The structure may further comprise windows and entryways. Windows may bedesigned to fit within an intra-unit or an inter-unit opening of thespherical triangular units, or may be designed as a skylight at the topof the structure. Entryways may be designed as a cut out of thestructure.

The structure of this disclosure has a superior ability to survivedisasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes etc. It iscost-efficient, energy efficient, extremely durable and easilymaintained. It is also easy to assemble from prefabricated parts. Thestructure can be constructed on virtually any site such as in themountains, on beaches, even underground or underwater without requiringlarge and heavy construction equipments. The structure, when properlydesigned with considerations of the need of its users, may be adapted ashomes, offices, schools, churches, storages, emergency shelters and soon.

In relation to the claims, it is intended that when words such as “a,”“an,” “at least one,” or “at least one portion” are used to preface afeature there is no intention to limit the claim to only one suchfeature unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim.

The descriptions above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting.Thus, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modificationsmay be made without departing from the scope of the claims set outbelow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A structure comprising a first sphericaltriangular unit, a second spherical triangular unit and a thirdspherical triangular unit; the first spherical triangular unitcomprising a first planar panel, a second planar panel and a thirdplanar panel; the second spherical triangular unit comprising a fourthplanar panel, a fifth planar panel and a sixth planar panel; the thirdspherical triangular unit comprising a seventh planar panel, an eighthplanar panel and a ninth planar panel; the first planar panel comprisinga first end surface, the second planar panel comprising a second endsurface, the third planar panel comprising a third end surface; thefourth planar panel comprising a fourth end surface, the fifth planarpanel comprising a fifth end surface, and the sixth planar panelcomprising a sixth end surface; the seventh planar panel comprising aseventh end surface, the eighth planar panel comprising an eighth endsurface, and the ninth planar panel comprising a ninth end surface;wherein the first end surface comprises a minor arc of a first greatcircle of a sphere; wherein the second end surface comprises a minor arcof a second great circle of the sphere; wherein the third end surfacecomprises a minor arc of a third great circle of the sphere; wherein thefourth end surface comprises a minor arc of a fourth great circle of thesphere; wherein the fifth end surface comprises a minor arc of a fifthgreat circle of the sphere; wherein the sixth end surface comprises aminor arc of the third great circle of the sphere; wherein the seventhend surface comprises a minor arc of a seventh great circle of thesphere; wherein the eighth end surface comprises a minor arc of aneighth great circle of the sphere; wherein the ninth end surfacecomprises a minor arc of a ninth great circle of the sphere; wherein theseventh planar panel and the ninth planar panel join and form a cornerof the third spherical triangular unit, the first planar panel and thesecond planar panel join and form a corner of the first sphericaltriangular unit, the corner of the first spherical triangular unit isconnected to the corner of the third spherical triangular unit; andwherein the eighth planar panel and the ninth planar panel join and formanother corner of the third spherical triangular unit, the fourth planarpanel and the fifth planar panel join and form a corner of the secondspherical triangular unit, the other corner of the third sphericaltriangular unit is connected to the corner of the second sphericaltriangular unit.
 2. The structure of claim 1, wherein central angles ofthe first end surface, second end surface, third end surface, fourth endsurface, fifth end surface and sixth end surface are essentially thesame.
 3. The structure of claim 1, wherein central angles of theseventh, eighth and ninth end surfaces are essentially the same.
 4. Thestructure of claim 1, wherein the first planar panel extends from thefirst end surface toward a center of the sphere along a surface of thefirst great circle; the second planar panel extends from the second endsurface toward the center of the sphere on a surface of the second greatcircle; and the third planar panel extends from the third end surfacetoward the center of the sphere on a surface of the third great circle.5. The structure of claim 4, wherein the first planar panel extends fromthe first end surface to a first inner end surface which comprises anarc concentric with the first end surface; wherein the second planarpanel extends from the second end surface to a second inner end surfacewhich comprises an arc concentric with the second end surface; whereinthe third planar panel extends from the third end surface to a thirdinner end surface which comprises an arc concentric with the third endsurface.
 6. The structure of claim 5, wherein central angles of thefirst, second, and third inner end surfaces are essentially the same. 7.The structure of claim 5, wherein radii of the first, second, and thirdinner end surfaces are essentially the same.
 8. The structure of claim1, wherein the first and the second planar panel are joined by a hinge;wherein the second and third planar panels are joined by a hinge;wherein the first and third planar panels are joined by a hinge.
 9. Thestructure of claim 1, wherein the first, second and third planar panelscomprise one or more inner ridges configured to accept or secure one ormore intra-triangular-unit covers that are configured to fit into andcover an intra-unit opening of the first triangular unit.
 10. Thestructure of claim 1, wherein the first, second and third planar panelscomprise one or more outer ridges configured to accept or secure one ormore inter-triangular-unit covers that are configured to fit into andcover an inter-unit opening of adjacent spherical triangular units. 11.The structure of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of plates,configured to connect the first spherical triangular unit to the thirdspherical triangular unit, and to connect the second sphericaltriangular unit to the third spherical triangular unit.
 12. Thestructure of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of fastenersconfigured to join the plurality of plates to the first, second andthird spherical triangular units through a plurality of through holes onthe first, second and third spherical triangular units.
 13. Thestructure of claim 12, wherein at least one of the plurality offasteners comprises a ring configured to accept wiring therethrough. 14.The structure of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first, second andthird planar panels comprises a material selected from a groupconsisting of aluminum, iron, steel, glass fiber, carbon fiber, plastic,wood and a combination thereof.
 15. The structure of claim 1, whereinthe ninth great circle passes through an intersection of the first endsurface and the second end surface and passes through an intersection ofthe fourth end surface and the fifth end surface; wherein the ninth endsurface is a minor arc of the ninth circle between the intersection ofthe first end surface and the second end surface and the intersection ofthe fourth end surface and the fifth end surface.
 16. The structure ofclaim 1, further comprising a first plurality of spherical triangularunits, each of which is essentially identical to the first sphericaltriangular unit; the second spherical triangular unit is essentiallyidentical to the first spherical triangular unit; wherein the firstplurality of spherical triangular units and the first and secondspherical triangular units are essentially equally spaced radially alongthe third great circle, and constitute a first level of the structure.17. The structure of claim 16, further comprising a second plurality ofspherical triangular units, each of which is essentially identical tothe third spherical triangular unit; wherein the second plurality ofspherical triangular units and the third spherical triangular unit areessentially equally spaced radially relative to a center of the sphere,and constitute a second level of the structure.
 18. The structure ofclaim 17, further comprising a plurality of levels comprising aplurality of spherical triangular units; the plurality of sphericaltriangular units on one level of the plurality of levels are essentiallyidentical to each other, and are essentially equally spaced radiallyrelative to a center of the sphere; each of the plurality of sphericaltriangular units located on a level above the first level comprisesthree planar panels, each with an end surface comprising a minor arc ofa great circle of the sphere; a spherical triangular unit on a levelabove the first level of the structure is configured to be joined withtwo neighboring spherical triangular units on the level below; thestructure is substantially a dome.
 19. The structure of claim 1, furthercomprising a connector, wherein the connector comprises an upper wall, alower wall, one or more outer circular walls and one or more innercircular walls; wherein one of the one or more outer circular walls isan extended part of the upper wall or the lower wall; wherein one of theone or more outer circular walls and one of the one or more innercircular walls are configured to form a circular slot between the outercircular wall and the inner circular wall; wherein the connector isconfigured to accommodate a plurality of ends of a plurality of planarpanels in the circular slot to connect a plurality of sphericaltriangular units.
 20. The structure of claim 19, wherein the connectorconnects an end of each of the planar panels of three adjacent sphericaltriangular units to connect three adjacent spherical triangular units.21. The structure of claim 19, wherein the connector comprises a topconnector piece and a bottom connector piece; wherein the top connectorpiece comprises the upper wall and one of the one or more inner circularwalls; wherein the bottom connector piece comprises the lower wall andone of the one or more inner circular walls; wherein the top connectorpiece and the bottom connector piece are configured to be joined. 22.The structure of claim 21, wherein the top connector piece furthercomprises a first top handle and a second top handle; wherein the bottomconnector piece further comprises a first bottom handle and a secondbottom handle.
 23. The structure of claim 21, wherein the top connectorpiece comprises an internal thread; the bottom connector piece comprisesan external thread; wherein the top connector piece and the bottomconnector piece are joined by the internal thread and the externalthread.
 24. The structure of claim 21, wherein the top connector piececomprises a top through hole in a center of the top connector piece;wherein the bottom connector piece comprises a bottom through hole in acenter of the bottom connector piece; wherein the top through hole andthe bottom through hole are aligned to form a holding space.
 25. Thestructure of claim 24, which further comprise a lighting device in theholding space; wherein the lighting device comprises a solar panel, abattery, a casing, and a LED light.
 26. The structure of claim 19,wherein each end of a planar panel comprises a stem and a head; whereinthe head is configured to fit in the circular slot, and engaged by theupper wall, the lower wall and the inner and outer circular walls. 27.The structure of claim 1, further comprising a control system, a powercable or system, a security system, an energy generation system, aheating system, a communication cable or system, a transmission cable orsystem, a food or water transit cable or system, a display ornotification system, an alarm system, a speaker system, a batterysystem, an air conditioning system, a filtration system, a lightingsystem, or a device or a material that is adapted to provide for lifeand survival.
 28. A connector, comprising an upper wall, a lower wall,one or more outer circular walls and one or more inner circular walls;wherein one of the one or more outer circular walls is an extended partof the upper wall or the lower wall; wherein one of the one or moreouter circular walls and one of the one or more inner circular walls areconfigured to form a circular slot between the outer circular wall andthe inner circular wall; wherein the connector is configured toaccommodate a plurality of ends of a plurality of planar panels in thecircular slot to connect the plurality of planar panels.
 29. The connectof claim 28, further comprising a top connector piece and a bottomconnector piece; wherein the top connector piece comprises the upperwall and one of the one or more inner circular walls; wherein the bottomconnector piece comprises the lower wall and one of the one or moreinner circular walls; wherein the top connector piece and the bottomconnector piece are configured to be joined.
 30. The connector of claim29, wherein the top connector piece further comprises a first top handleand a second top handle; wherein the bottom connector piece furthercomprises a first bottom handle and a second bottom handle.
 31. Theconnector of claim 29, wherein the top connector piece comprises aninternal thread; the bottom connector piece comprises an externalthread; wherein the top connector piece and the bottom connector pieceare joined by the internal thread and the external thread.
 32. Theconnector of claim 29, wherein the top connector piece comprises a topthrough hole in a center of the top connector piece; wherein the bottomconnector piece comprises a bottom through hole in a center of thebottom connector piece; wherein the top through hole and the bottomthrough hole are aligned to form a holding space.
 33. The connector ofclaim 32, further comprise a lighting device in the holding space;wherein the lighting device comprises a solar panel, a battery, acasing, and a LED light.
 34. An apparatus comprising the connector ofclaim 29.